Coming up for air.....gasp!

Ryan has been home for just over a week now, and we are so so so happy!

We've been busy trying to figure out life with 2 children, and as we're not following a schedule (no sense in trying since we'll be headed back to India soon), it has been a little hectic what with all the on-demand feedings, dirty diapers, laundry, big-people meals, etc.

I'm proud to announce that Ryan weighed in at 6 lbs, 1 oz at his 2-week+ checkup- he was up 6 ounces in only 4 days home from the NICU! He has been a good eater...more like a snack-n-nap type of guy, but I'm happy to accommodate him, as long as he's growing! He has a very calm disposition- until it's time to eat. And then- watch out! He's a yeller! So far, his eyes have remained blue, and his dark hair has yet to fall out He might have dimples, we're not quite sure. He is so cute! (If I may say so myself!)

My dad came into town Wed-Sun, and Mike and I were so PROUD to share our son with him. He was so gentle with Ryan- it was very sweet to see him with his grandson. He is really looking forward to seeing Ryan grow and teaching him how to swing a hammer! Haha! My mom has been an IMMENSE help- she is the most productive person I know! I'll sit down to feed Ryan, and she'll cook an entire meal, fold 2 loads of laundry, bathe Catherine and set the table before I can even stand up! She is the REAL Wonder Woman of this family! She has the "touch"- she can get Ryan to settle down almost instantly, and is Catherine's total BFF. Thank GOD for the Mimi's and Papi's of this world- I wish all children could have such great grandparents! I'm thrilled that my children will grow up being so connected to theirs!

Mike has already headed back to India for an 18-day stay where he'll catch up on work...but he will return to Houston on July 31st to pick us up, and we'll all be heading back to India on Aug 4th. Mike has been so much more hands-on with Ryan than he ever was with Catherine- it's the sweetest thing, and it makes me love him even more. He was a great sport and got up with me for many of the night feedings, making sure Ryan got his reflux medicine every 6 hours.

Catherine has been busy telling every person she encounters that she has a new baby brother- and is very happy to share every family detail as of late. She is so gentle with Ryan, and rubs his head and sings to him softly. Her big jobs are helping to replace his pacifier, and handing me wipes during diaper changes. She has entered the rhyming phase- and responds to every comment/instruction with a rhyme....i.e. "Catherine, please put on your shoes" "Shoes, poos, coos, noos, woos, moos!" It's endearing and maddening all at once!

As for me, I'm hangin' in there....pretty sleep deprived, but over the moon to have my baby boy home. Ryan is becoming more and more alert every day, and it thrills me to see his eyes for 1/2 hour at a time now! He is already growing, and I hope I can remember how teeny tiny he started out. Aaahh, the LOVE!